asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that, owing to the condition of the river Feale estuary following completion of the recent arterial drainage operations, the salmon net-fishing industry which employs 100 people for four months each year and upon which the livelihood of 400 people is almost solely dependent, is now almost completely destroyed because of encroaching sandbanks, shallows, rapid currents and other obstructions; and what action he proposes to take on the resolution from the Limerick Board of Fishery Conservators of 7th August last dealing with this matter and on the report on the Feale estuary condition furnished to him on request by the Clerk of the Board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Feale Estuary: Salmon Net-Fishing Industry.
92.
I do not fully accept that the effect on net fishing for salmon in the river Feale estuary of carrying out the recent arterial drainage scheme is as represented by the Deputy. I am not aware of any resolution from the Limerick Board of Conservators of 7th August last dealing with this matter and the Clerk's report on conditions in the Feale estuary does not contain the essential information as to catches by net fishing. If on further investigation in the light of such information further works are found necessary appropriate action can be considered in consultation with the Office of Public Works.